Muqatta'at (the broken letters) in the works of 'Ayn al-QuzatHamedani

Abstract

Muqatta'at (the broken letters) in the Holy Quran have been always studied and interpreted in different ways. 'Ayn al-Quzat Hamedani, among the other mystics, has paid attention to these letters in his two works, both with mystical nature, namely "Tamhidāt" (preludes) and "the Letters". 'Ayn al-Quzat's definition, description and interpretation, the way he could get such understandings, and the reasons for creation of Muqatta'at are being analyzed in present study. He has pointed to something such as the wayfarer's own efforts with courage and strength, his purity and piety, the role of Sheikh, aliment, revelation, time, chastisement of God and love that are all necessary to achieve the power of hearing and getting the meanings through event, dreaming, mystic intuition and understanding of Muqatta'at.